Over 108,000 Evacuated in Kazakhstan Due to Floods

Kazakhstan has evacuated more than 108,000 people since the floods began in the country last month, according to the Ministry of Emergencies.

A ministry spokesperson, in a press briefing, stated that over five thousand homes remain submerged, despite nearly 12,000 people returning to their homes, as reported by Reuters.

The evacuation operations continue in the Russian Ural Mountains regions inundated by severe flooding, with no signs of relief as water levels continue to rise.

These floods resulted from heavy rains associated with rising temperatures, accelerated snow melting, and the breakup of winter ice covering rivers and ponds.

In Orenburg, one of the most affected cities in the Russian region sharing the same name and bordering Kazakhstan, water partially inundated roads and flowed into residential areas, turning neighborhoods into pools.

The river level reached 12 meters on Saturday afternoon, according to local authorities, significantly exceeding the critical threshold and rising about half a meter compared to the previous day. The Ural River crosses through the center of Orenburg.

Governor Denis Pasler stated, "The situation remains complex. Flooding has reached its highest levels in Orenburg." The Ministry of Emergencies reported that about 14,000 people were evacuated from Orenburg and its surroundings, while water submerged more than 11,000 homes.

Rescue workers and law enforcement authorities continue to assist residents in leaving their homes on Saturday.

Authorities are picking up evacuees using large police trucks capable of navigating through water. Among them, children wearing rain boots mingle with adults carrying suitcases or even their pet cages.

Eldar Rahmatov, an official at the Ministry of Emergencies, noted "an increase in the number of homes submerged by water this morning, with more evacuation operations being organized."

Despite the circumstances, the city seems to maintain a calm and semi-normal life, with transportation and some businesses remaining operational.